"Then I should have three lives, madame: when I could see, when sight died, and when sight was born again. How wise I should be!"
They left her sadly, and after a time she heard footsteps that she knew.
She came forward and greeted Tryon.
"Ah," she said, "all's well with them, I know; and you were so good."
"They are safe upon the seas," he gently replied, and he kissed her hand.
"Now you will read this letter for me. M. Laflamme left it behind in the
Cave."
With a pang he took it, and read thus:
DEAR FRIEND,—My grief for your misfortune is inexpressible. If it were possible I should say so in person, but there is danger, and we must fly at once. You shall hear from me in full gratitude when I am in safety. I owe you so many thanks, as I give you so much of devotion. But there is the future for all. Mademoiselle, I kiss your hand.
Always yours,
RIVE LAFLAMME.
"Hugh!" she said sadly when he had finished, "I seem to have new knowledge of things, now that I am blind. I think this letter is not altogether real. You see, that was his way of saying-good-bye."
What Hugh Tryon thought, he did not say. He had met the Governor on his way to Pascal House, and had learned some things which were not for her to know.